Dubai: Aravinda De Silva & Ramiz Raja present ’Future Legends Cricket Academy’

Bellevision Media Network

Dubai, 22 Nov 2015: Former Sri Lankan Master batsman Aravinda De Silva and Pakistan Celebrity batsman and International Cricket Commentator Ramiz Raja here on Sunday November 22 launched a cricket academy in the United Arab of Emirates to bring a complete 360-degree coaching perspective to nurture young talent and budding cricketers.
 
The Future Legends Cricket Academy (FLCA) will be operational across multiple locations in Dubai and Sharjah with future plans of expansion across UAE.
 
Addressing a media conference, Aravinda De Silva, said: ‘We both have experienced the thrill of winning a world cup and the glory, it brings. We have embraced what cricket has given us with great affection. FLCA is our way of giving back to the game, which has given us so much, and made us who we are today. This academy and its curriculum is a result of extensive research carried out by us during the past year, identifying the gaps in the coaching programs and the way forward for producing cricketing professionals in UAE.’
 
 
‘Talent is what the youngsters possess and we hope to build on their natural talent and provide them with the necessary and correct technical skills so that they can achieve greatness in cricket,’ said Ramiz Raja.
 
 
FLCA has taken on board coaches who have experience in different geographies and are certified by the ICC, ACA and BCCI. They have the capability to work with different learning styles and levels. Normal training routine will also be interspersed with monthly visits by world-renowned cricket stars for Masterclasses to the Academy. These Masterclasses will give students, insight to journey of great cricketing personalities and the opportunity to learn through their experiences.’

 

 
 
Play in all its forms is the right of every child. Activities that employ and teach safe and inclusive play are tools to improve children’s lives. Children throughout the world are naturally drawn to sport and play. Play influences physical, socio-Emotional and cognitive development.
 
 
A study conducted by education department concluded that “student who are physically fit are more likely to perform well and behave well in school - regardless of their gender race, family income or culture. At FLCA we encourage early engagement of children to help them to develop naturally by giving due prominence to fitness through internationally qualified and experienced Physical trainers, who have worked kids of very young age.
 
 
Cricket as a Career in UAE
 
‘The interest in practicing cricket as a career is still in an emerging mode in the UAE and the region, though the game has avid enthusiasts.  FLCA would like to bring a paradigm shift in the way the game is perceived in the UAE and help home grown talents and budding players think of cricket as a global career,’ said Aravinda de Silva.
 
‘For many expats, UAE is a temporary stop. Taking up any sport and hoping to achieve higher levels in it becomes a question mark, which deters most parents to get their children, involved in sports. We at FLCA understand the importance of having the option to pursue the game further, hence we provide continuity for talented students when they return to their home countries,’ stated Aravinda.
 
FLCA is registered with Dubai Cricket Council, Sharjah Cricket Council and Emirates Cricket Board.
 
Apart from the tournaments that will be organized by FLCA, any student who is with the academy for three years would have an opportunity to travel to at least Six cricket playing nations such as Australia, England, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
 
 
‘With an intent of `Producing Professional Players, predictably’, we are committed in helping cricketers develop skills along with providing the necessary management and administrative support to the players, coaches, parents and all our partners at the Academy. It is also my mandate to encourage all aspiring and current women cricketers to come and experience our Academy, our School Program and be a part of the Masterclasses,’ said Sahana Shetty, head of operations.
 
 
She concluded by saying, ‘Our philosophy is to equip every individual with right technical, physical and mental skills to achieve greatness through Cricket.’